Danny Weber
Android Auto's I/O 2026 update brings Material 3, phone widgets, video while parked, Dolby Atmos, and redesigned music apps. The future of in-car infotainment.
Google used its I/O 2026 conference to preview the next major update to Android Auto. The platform is getting a heavily redesigned interface, support for various screen sizes, smartphone widgets, a refreshed look for music apps, and new multimedia features for vehicles with advanced capabilities.
One of the biggest changes is the shift to Material 3 Expressive styling. Android Auto will be able to bring fonts and wallpapers from the phone to the car’s display, along with smoother animations. The interface becomes more flexible: it will adapt to different screen dimensions and shapes, and some apps will appear as floating panels on either side. Key system elements like the app menu, notifications, and widgets will appear overlaid on Google Maps.
Android Auto now supports phone widgets, allowing quicker access to familiar functions directly on the car screen. Google already showed examples with clocks, contacts, Google Home, photos, and weather. If the vehicle has climate system integration, the interface can display air conditioning controls. Compatible smartphones will also get Gemini Intelligence features.
Google also focused on entertainment. Android Auto will gain support for video apps: while parked, the driver and passengers can watch videos from YouTube and other streaming services at up to Full HD resolution and 60 frames per second. If the car starts moving during playback, video stops but audio continues. Initial support for this feature will come to select models from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo.
Music apps are also being updated. In the new interface, tabs move to the top of the screen, and developers get more templates for layouts, grids, and visual highlights. An adaptive mini-player will let users search for music while keeping quick access to playback controls. The new design is being prepared by Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, Spotify, TuneIn, and YouTube Music.
Additionally, Android Auto will support Dolby Atmos in compatible vehicles. Initially, the technology will appear in certain BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo models. All these features will also be available to Galaxy smartphone owners, but the specific set of capabilities will depend on the phone model, car, and hardware compatibility.
© A. Krivonosov